“Jesus got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” – John 13:4-5

On the night in which He was betrayed, Jesus did one of the lowest act – He Washed His Disciple’s Feet!

Feet washing was the job of the lowest of servants. Jesus who is the supreme leader of all humbles Himself to serve others. Humility is one of the characteristics which the disciples did not have at that time. Jesus was teaching them Servant Leadership.

Servant Leadership

As Jesus comes to St. Peter to wash his feet. Peter says “Jesus, You shall never wash my feet”. Jesus’ reply comes very sharp, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”. Then St. Peter demands for more: ‘wash my hands and head also.’ The disciples had become a consumer of what Jesus had to offer. We often have become consumers of our leaders. Whatever they do for us we just seek the benefits and rewards without any work on our part. “Do for others as you would have them do for you.” – Matthew 7:12. If you enjoy the benefits and blessings of others, then be a blessing to someone else also.

Serving others is the calling of every disciple of Jesus. By this one act of washing the disciple’s feet, Jesus has called us to lead to serve others. Servant Leadership is to take the lead in the service of others.

“Leaders are born, not made.” We often consider leaders to be born great. But there are also leaders who are great because they serve. They weren’t born in palaces, or in high class society to become who they were. Some great examples would be Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, our even our very own Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata.

Lead by Example: Leaders are seen as those who give orders . Servants are seen as those who follow the orders of the leader. But Servant Leadership lead by example. Servant Leaders set the standard by their actions. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ” – John 13:15

What does it take to serve others? 1) A Heart of Willingness 2) A Heart of Humility

This Easter weekend pray to God for a heart of willingness and humility to go beyond the comfort zone.

“Jesus washes the feet of the Apostles. Are we ready to serve others like this?” – Pope Francis